Tour description
Exhilarating Bangkok
We’ll meet up in Bangkok, where we recommend you see the Grand Palace and the magnificent Wat Po temple complex. It’s also fun to go to Chinatown and breathe in the exotic atmosphere of that quarter. We likewise suggest you take an exhilarating bicycle tour through the city, following an experienced guide and riding through the back alleys, across the river and alongside the klongs (canals) of the greener parts of this metropolis that other tourists usually don’t get to see! Of course you mustn’t miss out on the nightlife, and you can party on until the small hours in the trendy bars of Khao San Road.Be active in Krabi
On day three we fly south to Krabi, famous for stunning limestone crags that vault vertically for over 900 metres from the turquoise waters. Krabi (Ao Nang beach) offers plenty for those who want to be active. You can go kayaking to one of the karst (limestone) islands just offshore, where you can explore hidden lagoons and exceptional flora and fauna. Or you can snorkel amongst the absolutely stunning marine-life. Or, sunglasses perched on your head, you can simply fry yourself (joking apart, suntan lotion is an absolute necessity) on one of several world-class beaches. After dark you’ll be able to dine and party at any of the many terraces and bars in Ao Nang.Bears, leopards and gibbons
The next location we’ll be exploring is Khao Sok’s national park, which covers an area of over 700 square kilometres. Its limestone mountains and lush evergreen rain-forest are home to incredible flora and fauna. There are some 48 species of mammals including bears, leopards and gibbons, and over 180 species of birds including hornbills. We may be lucky enough to see the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, in bloom. This rare plant is a parasite, with a diameter of up to 80 centimetres, and grows directly on the forest floor (convenient to pick, but too large for a suitcase, never mind a vase). You can take a hike into the jungle before, in the evening, swapping experiences with fellow travellers at the bar of the comfortable jungle lodge.Relax on Koh Samui
On day 7 we’ll move on to the island of Koh Samui, the largest island of an archipelago that includes the Ang Thong National Marine Park and one that is absolutely covered in coconut palms (also, sadly, too big to take home as hand-luggage!) Besides its famous sweeping beaches, the island offers many attractions. You’ll be able to join safaris and indulge in all sorts of water sports and fishing expeditions. There will also be a chance to visit to a herbal spa or take a rejuvenating Thai massage before heading for the trendy bars and discos.Koh Phangan
You’ll be able to continue to chill out during the next few days at the ultra-relaxed Koh Phangan, which will be our next stop. This fantastic trip then only ends when we return to Bangkok where we’ll head for our respective homes.